📅4 Days trip from Marrakech to Fez through the Moroccan desert: an unforgettable experience in the Sahara
Let yourself be carried away by the raw beauty of Morocco on this 4 Days tour from Marrakech, a route that connects the red city to Fez through some of the most breathtaking desert scenery. This is more than just a trip — it’s a path through the soul of a country. Cross the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, walk through the timeless alleys of ancient kasbahs, and feel the silence of the golden dunes of Merzouga under your feet. Along the way, meet the warm smiles of nomadic families, discover the charm of Berber villages untouched by time, and wander through cedar forests echoing with the calls of wild monkeys. Designed for travelers seeking a deep and meaningful experience, this tour is perfect for those landing in Marrakech and departing from Fez (or the other way around), capturing the very essence of Morocco in just four unforgettable days.
- Destination: Fez via Ouarzazate, the Valley of the Roses, the Dades and Todra Gorges, Merzouga and the Sahara Desert
- Departure point: From your accommodation in Marrakech
- Place of return: To your accommodation in Fez
- Departure time: Please be ready at 07:45 – Departure at 08:00
- Clothing: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Program duration: 4 days – 3 nights
- Prices: Pricing depends on the total number of participants.
📌Included in the price
✔️Pick up and drop off at your accommodation
✔️Modern, air-conditioned transportation
✔️English or French speaking driver/guide
✔️Half-board accommodation (dinner and breakfast)
✔️Night in a Saharan camp in a Berber tent
✔️Camel rides at sunset and sunrise (one camel per person)
✔️The excursion covers both bottled water and fuel from start to finish.
📌Not included
✖️Lunches and drinks
✖️Tips and personal expenses
✖️Entrance fees to tourist sites
✖️Optional activities (quad biking, sandboarding, etc.)
📌Highlights of the trip
- Crossing the Tizi N’Tichka gorge, the highest in Morocco
- Visit to the famous Kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Camel ride in the dunes of Merzouga
- A magical night in a nomad tent in the desert, with a traditional dinner and Berber music
- Sunset and sunrise over the Erg Chebbi dunes
- Discover Berber villages, oases, gorges and valleys
- Meeting the desert nomads and the Gnaouas
- Walk through the Dades and Todra gorges
- Discover the tranquil cedar forest while spotting wild Barbary apes along the way.
- Stop in Ifrane, the “Switzerland of Morocco”.
- This itinerary takes you from Marrakech to Fez, or in reverse, depending on your preference.
📌Full itinerary of the 4-day Marrakech to Fez desert tour
📍Day 1: Marrakech – Aït Ben Haddou – Valley of the Roses – Dades Gorges
Your 4 Days tour from Marrakech begins with the soft light of dawn as you leave the vibrant city behind and journey into the heart of Morocco’s mountains. A comfortable vehicle picks you up from your accommodation and heads toward the majestic High Atlas. The road snakes its way through the breathtaking Tizi N’Tichka pass, climbing to an altitude of 2,260 meters, where every bend reveals sweeping views of rugged peaks and deep valleys. Every curve offers breathtaking views—jagged peaks, deep valleys, and Berber villages clinging like secrets to the hillsides.
Soon, the golden silhouette of the Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou appears on the horizon, its ancient ramparts glowing under the Moroccan sun. This UNESCO World Heritage site has stood for centuries, a silent witness to history and cinema, from Gladiator to Game of Thrones. You’ll have time to wander through its timeless alleys before enjoying a traditional lunch nearby.
In the afternoon, the road unfolds like a ribbon through the Valley of the Roses, where the scent of wild blooms fills the air and local artisans craft delicate rose-based products. As you continue along the famed Route of the 1000 Kasbahs, the scenery transforms into a succession of ochre villages and crumbling fortresses, each one whispering stories of ancient trade and tribal life.
Your day concludes in the serene beauty of the Dades Gorges, where towering rock formations catch the last light of day. Here, you’ll stay in a charming kasbah, where dinner is served in the peaceful warmth of traditional Moroccan hospitality—ending your first day on a magical note.
📍Day 2: Dades Gorges – Todra Gorges – Erfoud – Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
The second day of your 4 Days tour from Marrakech begins with a hearty breakfast in the calm of the Dades Valley. Soon after, you’ll travel deeper into the Moroccan south, where nature shows its raw beauty. First, you’ll stop at the incredible Todra Gorges, where tall cliffs of up to 300 meters create a natural canyon of breathtaking proportions. It’s the perfect place to stretch your legs, take a short walk between the walls of rock, and admire the green palm groves of Tinghir.
As the road winds toward the desert, you’ll pass through Erfoud, a town famous for its fossil-rich stones and black marble. You can even visit a local workshop where ancient marine fossils are crafted into beautiful souvenirs—perfect if you’re looking to bring home a piece of Morocco’s prehistoric past.
By late afternoon, the journey becomes magical. As part of your 4 Days tour from Marrakech, you’ll arrive at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, where waves of golden sand stretch beyond the horizon. There, your camel awaits for a slow and peaceful ride—about 1.5 hours—across the dunes as the sun begins to set. The warm light, the silence of the desert, and the soft sway of the camel create a dreamlike moment.
Your evening is spent at a traditional desert camp. A delicious Moroccan feast awaits by the campfire, followed by the hypnotic rhythms of Berber music echoing beneath a canopy of stars. As you fall asleep in your comfortable nomadic tent, surrounded by sand and sky, you’ll realize this is what makes a 4 Days tour from Marrakech so unforgettable.
📍Day 3: Merzouga – Meeting the nomads – Gnaouas – Relaxation
The third day of your 4 Days tour from Marrakech begins with a spectacle you’ll never forget: the sunrise over the dunes of Erg Chebbi. As the first rays of light paint the sands in golden hues, the silence of the desert at dawn feels almost sacred. After soaking in the views, you’ll return to your camp for breakfast, then ride your camel back across the dunes to the village of Merzouga, where a full day of authentic desert experiences awaits.
This part of the 4 Days tour from Marrakech offers something rare: real human connection. You’ll visit nomadic families who live in tents on the rocky desert plateaus. Sitting with them over a glass of tea, you’ll glimpse a way of life that has changed little in generations—rooted in simplicity, resilience, and harmony with the harsh environment.
Next, you’ll journey to the village of Khamlia, where the Gnaoua community—descendants of sub-Saharan Africans—welcomes you with powerful music. Their hypnotic rhythms and spiritual chants echo a deep-rooted heritage, offering a moving glimpse into their rich cultural identity. In a small local house, you’ll attend an intimate performance that moves both body and spirit.
After a traditional lunch, your afternoon is all about rest and desert leisure. Back in Merzouga, you can relax at your hotel or choose an adventure: quad biking across the dunes, sandboarding, or simply unwinding by the pool with the dunes on the horizon. As the stars rise once more, you’ll enjoy a quiet dinner and a peaceful night in your Merzouga accommodation—yet another highlight of this unforgettable 4 Days tour from Marrakech.
📍Day 4: Merzouga – Ziz Valley – Cedar Forest – Ifrane – Fès
After one last breakfast in the heart of the desert, it’s time to leave the golden dunes behind. Your 4 Days tour from Marrakech continues northward through the lush palm groves of Tafilalet, revealing the vibrant life that thrives along the edge of the Sahara. The road winds through the stunning Ziz Gorge, offering panoramic views of the Aoufous oasis, a ribbon of green stretching through a rocky expanse.
You’ll pause in Errachidia to admire the striking Hassan Addakhil dam, where turquoise waters shimmer against a backdrop of red mountains—a photographer’s dream. Lunch is enjoyed in Midelt, a tranquil mountain town set between the High and Middle Atlas ranges, where the crisp air and surrounding apple orchards offer a refreshing pause on your journey.
In the afternoon, you enter the tranquil cedar forests of Azrou, where you’ll stop to visit the ancient Gouraud cedar, a natural monument inhabited by playful Barbary macaques. As the scenery shifts again, the alpine town of Ifrane appears—its European-style chalets and tidy boulevards have earned it the nickname « Morocco’s Switzerland. »
By sunset, your journey concludes in the legendary imperial city of Fez. We’ll drop you off at your riad or hotel, marking the end of an unforgettable 4 Days tour from Marrakech, rich in landscapes, culture, and moments that linger long after the road ends.
.
📌Practical information
- Private or small group tour
- Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle
- Choice of standard, superior or luxury accommodation
- Professional English and French-speaking guides
- Suitable for accompanied children – baby seat available on request
- Vegetarian option available (please specify when booking)
- Moderate level of walking required – Not accessible to people with reduced mobility
- Don’t miss the best photos of the trip
- Golden dunes at sunset in Merzouga
- Camels walking in the desert
- Panoramic view of the Ziz valley
- Kasbah Aït Ben Haddou against the backdrop of a mountain
- Green palm groves and Berber villages
- Monkeys in the cedar forest
- Smiling faces of Gnaoua nomads and musicians
📌Why choose this 4 Days tour from Marrakech?
This 4 Days tour from Marrakech stands out as one of Morocco’s most sought-after desert experiences, carefully designed to blend adventure, cultural encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and moments of pure relaxation. It’s the perfect introduction to the magic of southern Morocco, offering a well-balanced itinerary that goes far beyond the usual tourist trail.
Ideal for couples seeking romance under the stars, families eager to explore together, or friends chasing a shared adventure, this tour combines authentic local experiences with comfortable accommodations and seamless travel. From camel rides across golden dunes to intimate moments with nomads and Gnaoua musicians, every day brings a new perspective on Moroccan life. If you’re looking for an immersive escape that touches both heart and soul, this 4 Days tour from Marrakech delivers exactly that.
📌Book your dream adventure in Morocco now!
Let this unforgettable journey begin — contact us now to start planning your tailor-made experience. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, with family or in a group, we’ll provide a personalized quote based on the number of participants, your preferred level of accommodation, and any specific desires you may have. Your Moroccan adventure is just a message away — we’re here to bring it to life with care and expertise.
